How to get the classic chorused CP-70 sound?

[Synth80s]

First things first: the Yamaha CP-70 has always been and likely always will be my favorite instrument. I love the bell-like quality of the upper octaves and the oddball harmonics of the bass octaves. Though it was hugely popular in the 80s, the CP70 is still widely used today (even if it is overlooked as a classic instrument). Keane features the CP-70 as the main instrument and I can't think of a Peter Gabriel or U2 album that hasn't featured CP-70 since the early 80s.

I wanted a CP-70 *badly* ever since I figured out what it was back in the mid-80s. I finally found a near mint example about 10 years back and it's been my primary instrument ever since. As much as I play it and record it in different scenarios, I've never gotten the classic compressed CP-70 chorus sound that I find on some of my favorite CP-70 recordings. I'm wondering what techniques and equipment people have employed to achieve that classic sound. For definition's sake, here are a few good examples of the sound I'm after:

Peter Gabriel -- "Red Rain"
Howard Jones -- "No One Is To Blame" (original version)
U2 -- "Sunday Bloody Sunday"
Simple Minds -- "Alive and Kicking"
Talk Talk -- "Renee"

I've had pretty good luck using CP-70 > RNP > RNC > Yamaha ProR3 for chorus & verb, but it's still not as lush as the sound I find on those recordings. If you have recorded a CP-70 (especially back in the day), here are my questions:

1) Do most engineers go straight into the board or use outboard pres with a CP-70? Does anyone mic a closed CP-70 or maybe even open the case to mic it?
2) What compressors have you used that can preserve the sharp, bell-like note attacks for both solo notes and chords? (this has proved challenging)
3) What FX processors do you use for the chorus/delay/verb sound? Some of the old choruses sound analog. I recently tried a Memory Man Deluxe in the CP-70's mono effects loop which was cool, but not what I'm after. I'm guessing engineers used old Lexicons or TC units back in the day. Do people use them in the effects loop or as a send effect?

Any suggestions welcome. And if you're a CP-70 fan like me, give me a shout out!

Thanks,
Synth80s

[Tibbon]

I believe that Peter ran his through one of the old Roland chorus pedals. We used to have one of those at the studio that i used to work out. I can't remember the model however.

[Dr.Wu]

If you have a UAD1 card you could try the demos of the Dimension D and the CE1 Chorus. The originals were the most popular devices for chorusing back in the day.

[Synth80s]

Originally Posted by Dr.Wu

If you have a UAD1 card you could try the demos of the Dimension D and the CE1 Chorus. The originals were the most popular devices for chorusing back in the day.

I've been thinking about this -- I have a UAD-1 but I haven't used my CE-1 or Dimension D demos yet. If possible, I'd prefer to get the sound before it hits the DAW so I can play my parts with the sound in place. I could probably get Cubase down to 3-6ms delay for tracking and use one of these plug-ins as an insert effect -- hopefully the delay won't throw me off too much.

To the last poster, my guess is that PG used a Boss CE-1. I'm thinking about one of these or maybe an Analog Man chorus.

-Synth80s

[mixerguy]

Originally Posted by Tibbon

I believe that Peter ran his through one of the old Roland chorus pedals. We used to have one of those at the studio that i used to work out. I can't remember the model however.

CE1 or CE2

the drag is that they are a bit noisy.... but they DO have that sound!!! (Peter Gabriel sound)

[sedohr]

Originally Posted by mixerguy

CE1 or CE2

the drag is that they are a bit noisy.... but they DO have that sound!!! (Peter Gabriel sound)

ABBA also had their signature chorused piano sound. They used a MXR phaser I read somewhere. A very interesting interview here with their engineer: http://www.abbamail.com/feature/soun...0_instudio.htmhttp://www.abbamail.com/feature/soun...0_instudio.htm

Kalli

[Synth80s]

Originally Posted by mixerguy

CE1 or CE2

the drag is that they are a bit noisy.... but they DO have that sound!!! (Peter Gabriel sound)

Do you know if these pedals are more commonly used in the CP-70's mono effects loop or somewhere downstream (before the pre-amp or as a send effect)? I'm guessing they're used in the effects loop.

If I remember correctly, I believe that the CE-1 could accept instrument level or line level signals, so I suppose it could be used a number of ways. I doubt the CE-2 could accept line level signals.

I'm hesitant to buy a used CE-1 or CE-2 on account of their age -- I would consider a new AnalogMan chorus or maybe a new EH chorus.

-Synth80s

[nadsatrebel]

Last CP70 I used had a broken effects loop.

I have an old Roland/Boss chorus pedal. It does sound like a waterfall when there's no signal being passed.

[Midlandmorgan]

Look into the Kjaerhus "Classic Chorus" plug in you can...I actually prefer it to my Dimension D, and other oddball chorus pedals laying around...has a preset called "Fat Rhodes" that is just that...FAT....yet not overpowering...accurate blend, rate, etc...controls...is very subtle if you want it to be (unlike any Roland or Boss pedal I've EVER had...)

And...its a freebie, so you got nothing to lose...google Kjaerhus VST for the link...I don't think you'll find a better one anywhere, at any price.

[Your Add Here!]

Are you sure it's not the model 30 your talking about? I have one and it has two voices that you can detune, creating a chorus effect. It's the sound on the Supertramp records and a lot of records from the 1970's I've been told.

[Kiwiburger]

I miss my CP70 Checkout the Voxengo Analog Flux Suite. I was despairing of finding a juicy analog sounding chorus plugin, until that came out. It uses convolution of an analog sample (presumably a BBD chip), but being convolution, if there is no sound, there is no noise. (You could always add some white noise if you really wanted to). The rest of the Suite is must have stuff too.

The Edge may have used a Korg modulation delay on his CP70.

I believe Abba doubled their piano tracks, and used vari speed to get some detuning. (I should read that link I suppose).

[Kiwiburger]

Originally Posted by Your Add Here!

Are you sure it's not the model 30 your talking about? I have one and it has two voices that you can detune, creating a chorus effect. It's the sound on the Supertramp records and a lot of records from the 1970's I've been told.

What is a model 30 - an old Roland chorus?

I'm fairly sure that Super Tramp and other 70's acts used Leslie speakers more often. But I guess the early BBD and digital stuff were just coming out around then too.

[max cooper]

I played with a guy who had a CP70 (I love those things!) and he used the old grey MXR Flanger with four knobs and the AC cord out the back.

Great sound.

I remember when the ADA flangers came out, everyone thought they were the shiyte but I always thought MXR ruled.

This guy gets 'em sometimes:

http://www.classahighperformance.com/used_products.htm

[mojava]

Originally Posted by Synth80s

First things first: the Yamaha CP-70 has always been and likely always will be my favorite instrument. I love the bell-like quality of the upper octaves and the oddball harmonics of the bass octaves. Though it was hugely popular in the 80s, the CP70 is still widely used today (even if it is overlooked as a classic instrument). Keane features the CP-70 as the main instrument and I can't think of a Peter Gabriel or U2 album that hasn't featured CP-70 since the early 80s.

I wanted a CP-70 *badly* ever since I figured out what it was back in the mid-80s. I finally found a near mint example about 10 years back and it's been my primary instrument ever since. As much as I play it and record it in different scenarios, I've never gotten the classic compressed CP-70 chorus sound that I find on some of my favorite CP-70 recordings. I'm wondering what techniques and equipment people have employed to achieve that classic sound. For definition's sake, here are a few good examples of the sound I'm after:

Peter Gabriel -- "Red Rain"
Howard Jones -- "No One Is To Blame" (original version)




I've had pretty good luck using CP-70 > RNP > RNC > Yamaha ProR3 for chorus & verb, but it's still not as lush as the sound I find on those recordings. If you have recorded a CP-70 (especially back in the day), here are my questions:

1) Do most engineers go straight into the board or use outboard pres with a CP-70? Does anyone mic a closed CP-70 or maybe even open the case to mic it?
2) What compressors have you used that can preserve the sharp, bell-like note attacks for both solo notes and chords? (this has proved challenging)
3) What FX processors do you use for the chorus/delay/verb sound? Some of the old choruses sound analog. I recently tried a Memory Man Deluxe in the CP-70's mono effects loop which was cool, but not what I'm after. I'm guessing engineers used old Lexicons or TC units back in the day. Do people use them in the effects loop or as a send effect?

Any suggestions welcome. And if you're a CP-70 fan like me, give me a shout out!

Thanks,
Synth80s

I just purchased a CP80 and I cant wait to get it shipped to me. I too am looking for that Chorus sound. I have ALWAYS wanted to own one of these!!! Now its mine baby!!! Also, any suggestions on Amps to run them through?

Mojava

[Sounds Great]

I had a CP80 many years ago. Much fun!